Rome Italy Transportation - RomanLimoTours.com

When it comes to getting tourists around the city, public Rome transportation does a pretty good job. It features an extensive bus system, a subway which is referred to as the metro, and trains.

Rome Subway Easy to Learn

Of all your different transportation options, the metro is probably the easiest to learn. There are currently two lines. Line B crosses the city from east to west. This is the line you select if you want to visit the Colosseum or see the Basilicala of St. Paul.

Line A goes to the north and south. If you get off at the Ottaviano Stop, you can easily reach the Vatican by foot.

Getting Rome Metro Passes

If only getting Rome metro passes was as easy as figuring out how to use the subway! Ideally, each ticket station in the suburbs is supposed to feature a live human selling tickets. Since that human is generally on strike, however, you may have to turn to the metro pass machine. These machines are famous for not giving proper change, not giving any change, or swallowing your money and producing no ticket.

Rather than wrestling with outdated technology to get Rome transportation, it’s much easier to buy your pass from a tabaccheria, or a shop licensed to sell tobacco. Newspaper stands also sell metro passes.

Get Your Ticket for the Rome Subway Punched

The first time you use your subway ticket, you must get it punched by a machine that will record the date and time of your first ride. If the ticket is good for several days, you don’t have to punch it every time you ride the metro – just the first time.

Hold onto Your Rome Metro Pass

When you are traveling in Rome Italy, it is also very important to remember to hang onto your ticket throughout your journey. If Rome’s transportation police find you without a ticket, they will fine you for riding the metro illegally, no matter how many times you swear to them that you really did have a ticket.

A Final Thought

Although the metro passes are temptingly cheap, you may decide that it is worth the extra money to arrange for a private tour to take you through the streets of Rome Italy. A private tour means you do not have to bother with finding metro tickets or run the risk of getting turned around. There are a great many ways to explore Rome. Pick the one that will work best for your party.

Original Article: Quick Guide to Rome’s Subway and Metro Passes

Packing-For-Rome

If you are traveling from the United States to Italy, there’s a lot to be said for packing light. On the other hand, Rome weather is capable of some extreme temperatures, and you want to be sure you have the clothes you need to keep you comfortable in any type of weather. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the local customs and rules about modesty, especially when it comes to visiting Vatican City and the museums and churches located there.

Rome General Attire

There are a few articles of clothing you should bring to the Eternal City no matter when you travel. The first thing you should pack is a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Most of the streets are cobbled and uneven. Wearing high heels can lead to sore feet, falls, and twisted ankles. In this case, common sense should come before fashion sense.

Any time you visit Italy, but especially if your travel days fall between September and April, bring a light rain jacket with a hood. Rain in the Eternal City can last for hours on end, and it’s no fun being stuck in your hotel room watching the rain fall.

Another useful item to bring is a cap or a hat. During the summer months, you can use it to shield your face from the sun, and during the winter months, you can use it to keep your head warm.

Rome in Summer

Rome weather in July through September has the reputation for being hot, sometimes up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and very humid. Although shorts and sleeveless shirts may sound like a good idea, most churches or religious museums will not allow entrance to any man with uncovered knees or any woman with uncovered knees or shoulders. Women should also avoid low-cut, revealing clothing.

Local men typically wear chinos with lightweight dress shirts, and women wear summer slacks, dresses, and shirts. Full-length blue jeans are acceptable, even in many churches.

Rome in Winter

Expect cold and rainy weather during the winter months. Be sure to bring your umbrella as well as a heavy jacket or a coat. Long sleeved shirts and blouses and heavy pants will also keep you warm. Head scarves won’t take much room in your suitcase, but they do a great job protecting your face from the cold wind.

Above all, select clothing that can be easily washed so you won’t spend the better half of your vacation looking for a reputable dry cleaner. Rome weather can be a challenge for travelers, but if you anticipate it and dress for it, your trip to Italy can still be filled with fun and adventure.

Original Article: What Clothes Do You Need in Rome Italy?

Rome Pizza Spots - RomanLimoTours.com

What could be more natural than sharing a pizza with your friends in Rome where the dish was invented, right? Well, not quite right. Although Romans peasants had been dining in pizza for hundreds of years, the first pizzeria actually opened in Naples, Italy in the 1800s. Even if Rome can’t exactly lay claim to inventing pizza, though, they have certainly adopted it, and you will find many Rome pizza places around the city. You may be surprised that most places in Italy offer a wafer-thin crust instead of the thick crusts you may be used to back home.

So, where should you go to find the best Rome pizza places in the Eternal City? This article offers a few ideas.

1. Da Baffetto

Da Baffetto has the reputation for being the city’s most popular pizzeria, especially during the summer months when side street dining is popular. You will find it close to the Piazza Navona.

2. Dar Poeta

Dar Poeta, located in the Trastevere district, lays claim to a pizza dough created from a secret blends of different types of flours. Not only is the dough delicious, it is also said to be easier on the digestive system than ordinary pizza dough. This is one of the few pizzerias that allows you to choose between a thin crust and a thick crust. All pizzas offer plenty of delicious toppings.

3. Panattoni

The marble slab tables that act as decor have given this Trastevere district pizza place the unfortunate nickname of “The Mortuary.” Once you go inside, though, you’ll find a lively, friendly crowd that is anything but dead. Panattoni deliberately keeps late hours, making it a great place to come for a snack after a late movie or theater performance.

4. La Gallina Bianca

Located close to the Termini Station, this is a great place to eat your very first pizza in Rome. Here you will find traditionally thin-crusted pizzas with generous toppings. La Gallina Bianca usually draws a young, hip crowd of locals as well tourists.

5. Piazza Augusto

Piazza Augusto, sometimes known simply as ‘Gusto, is best known for its Neapolitan pizzas. Tourists report that other types of pizza ordered at the ‘Gusto may disappoint. The ‘Gusto is known as a great place to sit on the terrace and look up at the breathtaking Ara Pacis museum.

Original Article: Top 5 Rome Pizza Places

Visiting Rome Italy - RomanLimoTours.com

Often known as the Eternal City, Rome and Roman history are full of interesting bits of trivia. If you casually toss these pieces of information into the conversation during your next trip to Italy, your traveling companions will think you are brilliant.

1. The Birth of a City

Legend holds that the Eternal City was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus. As infants, their cruel uncle abandoned them to starvation and the elements on Palatine Hill. A she-wolf took pity on them, brought them into her cave, and suckled them. When the brothers were fully grown, they decided to honor the she-wolf who saved them by creating a city of wonder on Palatine Hill and making the she-wolf its mascot.

2. The Riches of the Trevi Fountain

There is a legend that if you throw a coin over your shoulder as you walk away from the Trevi Fountain, you will live to return to the city and all its riches. As a result, the Trevi Fountain collects over 700,000 euros each year. The money is all donated to charity.

3. The Largest Church in the World

If you want to see the largest church ever built, you need look no further than St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Admission to the lower levels of St. Peter’s Basilica is free, so enter and look at all the wonders.

4. The Largest Museum Complex in the World

There are over 1000 Vatican Museums, making the complex in Vatican City the largest museum complex, not only in Italy, but in the world as well.

5. Bones and Architecture

If you are traveling in Rome with teenagers who get bored easily, take some time to let them explore the Capuchin Crypt. The crypt consists of five chapels and a 20-yard long corridor and is decorated with the bones of more than 4000 deceased monks.

6. The Oldest Shopping Mall

Everyone knows that the Eternal City is the place to come for designer clothes and accessories, but did you know that its reputation as a shopping mecca goes back almost 2000 years? Between AD 106 and AD 113, Emperor Trajan ordered the construction of a marketplace which spanned several levels and consisted of over 150 shops.

7. A Nice Place to Grow Old

The average life expectancy in Rome is 79.54 years, edging out the life expectancy in the United States which is 78.2 years.

Original Article: 7 Interesting Facts about Rome Italy

PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA - ITALY

Cruising is a popular way for tourists of all ages to see the world. Rome gets its share of the cruise business, but there is one small problem. Rome is not located on the Mediterranean. It is located on the Tiber River, which is much too small to accommodate today’s jumbo cruise ships.

Instead of docking in Rome proper, cruise ships dock at Civitavecchia, a town west of Rome and about an hour’s drive away. This does not make it difficult for tourists to get to Rome; there are many different options visitors can use to reach the ancient city.

Rome Trains

Trains run between Civitavecchia and Rome several times an hour. A train ride into the city is relatively inexpensive and takes anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes depending on how many interim stops the train needs to make.

Some tourists, though, are less than impressed with the train as a mode of transportation. For one thing, it is a long walk from the spot where cruise ships dock to the train station. This can be a special challenge if you are traveling with young children. The station is also not located on the main road, nor is it well marked, meaning that tourists may have to wander for a bit before they find it.

Bus Transfers to Rome

A bus transfer is another option for reaching Rome. Buses typically meet passengers at the Michelangelo Fortress, a convenient and easy-to-find pick up point. You can purchase a shuttle bus pass on the docks, but it is more convenient for most people on cruises to buy their transfers from the cruise ship. Most cruise lines not only offer comfortable transportation into the city, they also offer tours to some of the most famous Roman sites. If you will be sailing into Civitavecchia, talk to your travel agent or a representative of the cruise line to find out what your options are.

Use Rome Private Tours

Another comfortable, reliable way to reach the city and to enjoy a tour customized to your interests is to book a private tour. Rome private tours can not only take you to the city, they can take you to the sites you most want to see. Private tours are also available if you want to visit other cities in Italy like Naples or Pompeii.

While having to sail into a port taking a stress free transfer into the city will get you ready for your vacation. Roman Limo Tours will do everything possible to get you into Rome on a timely manner – so that you can enjoy your day exploring the wonders of one of the oldest cities in the world.

If Your looking for Port Transfers Please Contact Us!

Original Article: Rome Cruise Port Shuttle

Senior Friendly Rome Tours - Roman Limo Tours

Many Rome tours are walking tours that can last as long as three hours. If you’re a senior citizen, you may be uncomfortable staying on your feet for that length of time. This article will help you identify from senior-friendly guided tours of Rome and the surrounding areas.

Private Guided Tours of Rome

A private tour, if you can afford it, is probably the most comfortable way to see the city. Because you will be transported in a private vehicle, there will be plenty of room to stow a wheelchair, walker, cane, or any other assistive device. Traveling in the comfort of a luxury car also spares you the hassle of trying to figure out the metro or bus system. Better still, you can customize your itinerary to include the sights that you want to see, and you can choose the length of the tour. A knowledgeable, English-speaking employee will act as both your chauffeur and your tour guide, regaling you with stories of the places you visit.

The Coliseum

The Coliseum is one of the few ancient ruins in Rome that is wheelchair friendly. You can arrange for a guided tour that will cover both the history and the architecture of this amazing structure. Wait times to get into the Coliseum can be as long as an hour, so you might want to book your tickets in advance.

Monumental Rome Bus Tours

These Rome tours, offered by Vastour (+39 06 4814309) depart every day at around 8:30 AM. Central hotel pickup is available. The tours last for three hours and give you the opportunity to view famous landmarks such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica. There are opportunities to get off the bus and explore during these tours, but it’s not mandatory; you can stay on the bus if walking is difficult for you.

Naples-Pompeii Bus Tour

This tour, also offered by Vastour, offers a great opportunity to get out of the city for a day and enjoy other parts of Italy. Tours leave at 7:15 AM daily, with central hotel pickup available. You’ll travel the countryside in Naples, Italy, stopping to tour an ancient factory. You’ll be served lunch, whis is included in the price of the ticket, at a restaurant near Pompeii. The afternoon features a walking tour of Pompeii, the city buried in volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius exploded. If you need assistance walking, contact Vastours in advance of the trip to discuss your options.

Rome is an engaging city filled with modern technology and ancient history. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it at any age.

Original Article: Senior Friendly Rome Tours

Rome Tours for Kids - Roman Limo Tours

Some travel websites have just one word of advice about taking children to Rome: Don’t. While it’s true that many of the historical attractions that fascinate adults won’t hold much interest for young children, it’s also true that there are plenty of activities and Rome tours for kids visiting the city. If you’re trying to think of something for your children to do in Rome Italy, consider these suggestions.

Explora – The Rome Children’s Museum

In a city where most of the displays are strictly hands-off, Explora gives kids provides for plenty of hands-on play opportunities including simple science projects and make-believe banks, ATMs and grocery stores. The museum is designed to entertain young children. Older children and teens won’t find much to enjoy here.

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

The largest public square in Rome, the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II features a garden at the center where kids of all ages can run, play, and burn off some energy. It is also located very close to some terrific shopping areas that feature beverages, snack foods, and the latest styles in children’s clothing.

Largo Argentina Cat Shelter

This no-kill cat shelter, where you can enjoy the antics of cats and kittens playing among ancient ruins, is a big hit with kids, especially since the shelter staff gives free tours in English. Because the cat shelter is completely funded through donations, don’t be surprised if you are hit up for a contribution. Older children may be interested in hearing that Julius Caesar was assassinated near this very spot.

The Capuchin Crypt and Catacombs

Older children will love the catacombs because of the elaborate arrangements of bones decorating each room. During walking tours, they can also learn about the history of early Christianity in Rome Italy when Christians were persecuted and viewed as members of a bizarre cult.

The Coliseum

Most Rome tours include the Coliseum, and it’s one historic place that appeals to children of all ages. Little ones will be fascinated by the size alone – in the days of its glory, the Coliseum could hold up to fifty thousand people, and its elliptical shape ensured that everyone had a good view. Older children will be fascinated by gory stories of gladiators fighting for survival.

Rome Private Tours Are Comfortable

Another option when you are traveling with children is to book Rome private tours. A private tour ensures that you will be taken wherever you want to go in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. You can select the sites that you want to see and bypass those that are less interesting to little ones.

There’s no reason at all why your children shouldn’t enjoy a trip to Rome. Just make sure that you plan activities that are both educational and interesting.

Original Article: Best Rome Tours for Kids

Rome Night Tours - Roman Limo Tours

The city of Rome Italy is interesting enough during the day, but at night it truly comes alive with lights highlighting the monuments and ruins of the ancient city. You’re not being fair to yourself if you visit Rome and don’t take at least one night tour of the many available. These suggestions can point you in the right direction.

Seasonal Night Walking Tours

Several different tour companies offer walking tours of Rome during the twilight hours. You can expect to see the most famous sites including the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and of course, the Coliseum. These tours are not only informative, they can help you learn your way around the city and give you some ideas about the most interesting places to spend your day. It is important to know that walking tours typically last about three hours. If you can’t stand or walk comfortably for that length of time, you may want to find another touring option. Because many of the streets of Rome are cobbled, they are not very friendly to wheelchairs or baby strollers.

Ghost and Mystery Guided Walking Tour of Rome

Any city as ancient as Rome has to have at least a few scandalous stories and ghostly legends. The knowledgeable and animated guides who lead this tour can tell you about all the skeletons in Rome’s closets as they show you places where hauntings have been said to occur. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, this tour still provides a lot of history you probably won’t find in tour guides.

Private Rome Tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican

Thousands of people flock to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican each day. These private tours, limited to no more than 20 people, allow you to visit these sacred and historically significant sites in the evenings without crowds of people to distract you. Tours last approximately two hours, and while they are expensive, they are also well worth the money.

Tiber River Dinner Cruise

During this two-hour cruise, you can view the city of Rome at night from the Tiber river. While you are drinking in the magnificent view, you will be served a three-course dinner – a vegetarian menu is available. There is probably no more relaxing way to view Rome Italy by night.

Rome Private Tours

Why follow someone else’s agenda when Rome private tours allow you to plan your own. In the comfort of a luxurious private vehicle, your driver and tour guide can take you to the sites you most want to see.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Rome Italy at night, set aside some time on your next trip to take a tour during the evening hours. You won’t be disappointed.

Original Article: Rome Night Tours

Rome Villa - RomanLimoTours.com

If you’re not fond of hotels, or if you’re traveling to Italy with a large group that might be expensive to put up in a hotel, you have the option of using a vacation rental. A vacation rental is a furnished home or apartment that you can rent during your stay in Rome. Some people keep second homes specifically to use as rentals, but more frequently, you’ll be living in the home of the owner.

Rentals can be a great deal, but when you’re selecting your vacation rental, there are several factors that you should keep in mind.

Make a List

Make a short list of the features you want in your vacation rental. Then decide whether they are features that you must have or features that you would like to have but can live without. It’s also a good idea to set a budget. Knowing in advance what you want can make the actual search process go much more quickly.

Location

Real estate experts agree that a home’s greatest selling point is location, and the same is true of vacation rental properties. Before you sign any papers or turn money over, make sure you know where the dwelling you’re thinking of renting is located. It won’t save you any money if the rental is cheap but lies miles away from the most popular museums, monuments, and archaeological attractions of Rome. If you do decide to rent an outlying home or apartment, see if there is public transportation nearby or be sure to set aside money for taxis.

Look for Rentals with More than One Picture

It’s possible to find an angle to make almost any room look good in a single picture. To get a real idea of what you’re renting, look for a posting that shows multiple interior and exterior views. If you’re interested in a rental that features only a single photo, contact the owner via email and ask him to reply with additional pictures.

Check Reviews

Sites like TripAdvisor.com and HomeAway.com can not only find the best deals, they also offer reviews by other vacationers who have used the property. Both TripAdvisor.com and HomeAway.com also allow you to search for rentals by vacation dates, number of rooms, and price.

If staying at a hotel in Rome, Italy does not appeal to you, consider staying in the homelike environment provided by a comfortable vacation rental.

Original Article: Using Vacation Rentals When Traveling to Rome

Rome Savings Tips - RomanLimoTours.com

Visiting Rome can take a large chunk out of your wallet, especially if you don’t take advantage of the money saving opportunities available. You can make your trip to Italy less of a financial burden by keeping these five tips in mind.

1. Stand at the Bar During Your Coffee Break

The tables in small restaurants and coffee bars may look appealing, especially if you’ve been on your feet all day, but you’ll pay almost twice as much for the privilege to sitting at them. Instead of plopping down at a table, stand at the bar. Another option is to get coffee to go and find a bench outside where you can sit down and enjoy it.

2. Take Advantage of Combination Tickets

One of the most popular tickets, the Roma Pass, offers three days of free public transportation. You also get free passes to any two of the participating sites and steep discounts on your visits to the other participating sites. About forty museums and archaeological sites participate in this program, but it’s important to be aware that the Vatican is not one of them.

Another combination pass, the Archaeologia Card, provides free access to many popular archaeological sites such as the Coliseum and the Palatine. They are also good for free entrance to the four Roman Museums.

3. Visit the Vatican on the Last Sunday of the Month

On the last Sunday of the month, all Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are free to the public from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The museums close for the day at 2:00 PM. If you decide to take advantage of this opportunity, it’s best to arrive early in the morning. You should also anticipate large groups of tourists and citizens of Rome who also want to take advantage of the opportunity.

4. Know the Rules for Free Entrance

When you tour a Roman museum or monument, there are several factors that that can get you a discounted ticket or even a free one. Those under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 are eligible for free entrance, as are those with disabilities. Journalists, student groups, and professors or students of subjects like architecture, archaeology, or the fine arts can also get in for free. If you fall into one of these groups, be prepared to have the documentation to prove it.

5. Save Money on Tips

When Americans dine out, they tip anywhere from 15 to 20 percent. In Italy, it is customary to tip no more than five percent. Small bills are usually rounded up to the next euro. And don’t worry about offending the waiters; they are more likely to be offended if you leave a large tip, as they see that as a sign of disrespect for their culture.

Visiting Rome can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to drain your savings account completely. These five tips can help you plan a comprehensive and affordable vacation your whole family will enjoy.

Original Article: 5 Ways to Save Money in Rome